A syringe system includes a first syringe having a barrel with a tubular tip formed at the end thereof. The tubular tip has an exterior surface with a pair of spaced apart first threads outwardly projecting therefrom so as to at least partially encircle the tubular tip. A second syringe has a barrel with a collar formed at the end thereof. The collar has an interior surface with engagement threads projecting therefrom. The collar is configured to receive the tip of the first syringe such that the first threads can selectively threadedly couple with the engagement threads. A pair of second threads project from the exterior surface of the tubular tip so as to at least partial encircle the tubular tip, the second threads being longitudinally spaced apart from the first threads. The second threads can be rotated, shifted, or otherwise shaped into a variety of different configurations so as to aggressively engage the engagement threads in frictional bias when the first syringe is coupled to the second syringe. In an alternative embodiment, the second threads can be replaced by a ridge which is contigured to frictionally engage with the engagcment threads.
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1. A thread structure comprising:
a tubular member having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the tubular member having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; a pair of spaced apart first threads projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member so as to at least partially encircle the tubular member; and a pair of spaced apart second threads projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member so as to at least partially encircle the tubular member, the second threads being spaced longitudinally apart from the first threads.
18. A thread structure comprising:
a tubular member having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the tubular member having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; a pair of spaced apart threads outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member so as to at least partially encircle the tubular member, at least a portion of each of the threads being disposed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, the threads bounding a thread groove; and a plurality of ridges outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member and being longitudinally spaced apart from the threads.
12. A thread structure adapted for coupling two syringes together to facilitate the transfer of material between the syringes in a secure and essentially liquid tight fashion, comprising:
a tubular member having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the tubular member having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, said tubular member serving as an outlet tip for one of the two syringes; a pair of spaced apart threads outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member so as to at least partially encircle the tubular member, at least a portion of each of the threads being disposed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, the threads bounding a thread groove; and a ridge outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the tubular member, the ridge being aligned with the thread groove.
2. A thread structure as recited in
at least a portion of each of the first threads is disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member; and at least a portion of each of the second threads is disposed in a second plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.
3. A thread structure as recited in
4. A thread structure as recited in
the first threads have a maximum outer diameter; and the second threads have a maximum outer diameter, the maximum outer diameter of the second threads being greater than the maximum outer diameter of the first threads.
5. A thread structure as recited in
the first threads have a maximum thickness; and the second threads have a maximum thickness, the maximum thickness of the second threads being greater than the maximum thickness of the first threads.
6. A thread structure as recited in
the first threads bound a first thread groove therebetween, the first thread groove having a first central axis longitudinally extending therethrough; and the second threads bound a second thread groove therebetween, the second thread groove having a second central axis longitudinally extending therethrough, the first thread groove and the second thread groove being aligned so that the first and second central axes are aligned.
7. A thread structure as recited in
the first threads bound a first thread groove therebetween, the first thread groove having a first central axis longitudinally extending therethrough; and the second threads bound a second thread groove therebetween, the second thread groove having a second central axis longitudinally extending therethrough, the first thread groove and the second thread groove being offset so that the first and second central axes are offset.
8. A thread structure as recited in
the first threads are oriented at a first pitch; and the second threads are oriented at a second pitch that is different than the first pitch.
9. A thread structure as recited in
the first threads bound a first thread groove therebetween, the first thread groove having a substantially constant maximum width along its length; and the second threads bound a second thread groove therebetween, the second thread groove having a substantially constant maximum width along its length, the maximum width of the second thread groove being smaller than the maximum width of the first thread groove.
10. A thread structure as recited in
11. A thread structure as recited in
13. A thread structure as recited in
14. A thread structure as recited in
15. A thread structure as recited in
16. A thread structure as recited in
17. A thread structure as recited in
19. A thread structure as recited in
20. A thread structure as recited in
21. A thread structure as recited in
22. A thread structure as recited in
23. A thread structure as recited in
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1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to structure for coupling syringes and other dispensing or mixing apparatus together and, more specifically, structures for threadedly coupling together syringes or other related types of devices in a secure liquid tight engagement.
2. The Prior State of the Art
Occasionally it is necessary to mix two components together before dispensing the resulting composition. For example, various adhesives and dental compositions comprise two discrete components which are independently stable but when combined interact to set in a cementitious manner. One approach to combining the discrete components is simply to dispense each of the discrete components into a third compartment where they are mixed and subsequently dispensed. In an alternative approach, the individual components are each retained in a respective syringe. The dispensing ends of the syringes are coupled together and the discrete components are passed back and forth between the syringes by advancing and retracting the corresponding plunger. The components are passed back and forth until the components are fully mixed. The mixed composition is then loaded into one of the syringes for subsequent dispensing while the later syringe is simply discarded.
A similar approach is also used in transferring material between syringes. That is, bulk quantities of materials, such as many dental compositions, are often stored in relatively large syringes. In order to mix measured amounts of the stored materials or to more easily apply the materials, a large bulk syringe is coupled with a smaller syringe such that a measured amount of the stored material can be transferred to the smaller syringe.
One approach to coupling two syringes together has been the use of discrete connectors which either press fit or threadedly engage with the nozzles of the syringes. Although such connectors are useful in many situations, such connectors often fail when it is necessary to transfer highly viscous materials between syringes, In such situations, the syringes will often separate from the connectors under the force applied to the material by the plunger. This problem is further exacerbated where the material being transferred is highly lubricious, thereby making the coupling between the syringe and the connector slippery.
It is further noted that the use of a discrete connector to couple two syringes together is undesirable in that the connector is an added expense to the system. Furthermore, such connectors are time consuming in use in that they require a separate connection to each of the syringes.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide structure for coupling two syringes together such that material can be transferred therebetween.
Another object of the present invention is to provide structure as above which enables the syringes to be tightly secured together in a liquid tight fashion such that highly viscous and lubricious materials can be transferred between the syringes without unwanted separation or leaking of the syringes.
Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide structure as above which in one embodiment enables coupling of the two syringes without the use of a separate and discrete connector.
To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the invention as described and claimed herein, a syringe system is provided. The syringe system includes a first syringe having a barrel with a tubular tip formed at the end thereof. The tubular tip has an exterior surface with a pair of spaced apart first threads outwardly projecting therefrom so as to at least particularly encircle the tubular tip. The first threads bound a first thread groove extending therebetween.
The syringe system also includes a second syringe having a barrel with a collar formed at the end thereof. The collar has an interior surface with engagement threads projecting therefrom. The collar is configured to receive the tip of the first syringe barrel such that the first threads can be selectively threadedly coupled with the engagement threads, thereby coupling the two syringes together.
The present invention also includes means mounted on the exterior surface of the tubular tip of the first syringe barrel at a location longitudinally spaced apart from the first threads for frictionally engaging the second syringe when the first syringe is threadedly coupled to the second syringe. In one embodiment, the means for frictionally engaging the second syringe comprises a pair of spaced apart second threads projecting from the exterior surface of the barrel so as to at least partially encircle the tubular barrel, the second threads being longitudinally spaced apart from the first threads.
The second threads can be substantially identical to the first threads or they can have a variety of alternative configurations. For example, the second threads can have a larger diameter and/or thickness than the first threads so as to more aggressively engage the second syringe. Furthermore, the second threads can be shifted to be slightly off-set from the first threads, rotated to a different pitch than the first threads, or sized to bound constricting or narrow grooves such that as the engagement threads couple with the second threads, the second threads aggressively bind with the engagement threads under frictional bias.
In yet another alternative embodiment of the means for frictionally engaging, the second threads can be replaced with a ridge. The ridge can either encircle the tubular tip or simply be aligned with the groove of the first threads. The ridge is configured to bias in frictional engagement with the engagement threads so as to securely lock the two syringes together in a liquid-tight fashion. The above second threads and ridge can be configured for a single or repeated coupling between the syringes.
By use of the above second threads, ridge, and other corresponding embodiments as disclosed herein, a tight friction coupling is provided between the two syringes. As a result of the secure nature of this coupling, highly viscous and lubricious materials can be repeatedly passed back and forth between the syringes without risk of accidental leaking or uncoupling of the syringes.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Depicted in
Tip 22 of first syringe 12 is shown having an exterior surface 30 and an opposing interior surface 26. Interior surface 26 bounds a channel 34 in fluid communication with chamber 28. As discussed below in greater detail, in one embodiment, interior surface 26 is tapered into a frustoconical configuration. A central longitudinal axis 27 extends through channel 34 and chamber 28. In the embodiment depicted, tubular tip 22 has a smaller outer diameter than barrel 16. In alternative embodiments, however, tip 22 may have the same or other varied diameter relative to barrel 16. In such embodiments, tip 22 merely defines one end of barrel 16.
As depicted in
Depicted in
Depicted in
Returning to
As depicted in
Syringes 12 and 14 can be of any desired size or configuration and can be used with any desired types of components in any desired environment, such as medical, dental, or industrial. In one embodiment, syringes 12 and 14 are injection molded from plastic. The syringes can also be manufactured by other milling or molding processes and can be made from other materials. One example of how luer cone 60 and channel 64 can be configured for complementary mating is disclosed in International Standard ISO 549/1-1986(E) which is incorporated herein by specific reference. Similarly, one example of how first threads 36, 38 and engagement threads 58 can be configured for threaded engagement is disclosed in International Standard ISO 594-2:1991 (E) which was previously incorporated herein by specific reference. Further disclosure with regard to the configuration and coupling of the syringes and mixing of components between the two syringes is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/251,887, filed Feb. 19, 1999 which is incorporated herein by specific reference.
Depicted in
The present invention also includes means mounted on exterior surface 30 of tubular tip 22 at a location longitudinally spaced apart from first threads 36, 38 for frictionally engaging second syringe 14, 64 when first syringe 12 is threadedly coupled to second syringe 14, 64. By way of example and not by limitations, depicted in
Second threads 66, 68 also have opposing tapered side walls 82 and 84 which bound a pair of second thread grooves 86, 88. A central longitudinal axis 90 extends through second thread grooves 86 and 88. Second threads 66, 68 can have the same alternative configurations as discussed above with regard to first threads 36, 38. In the embodiment depicted in
It is noted that although first threads 36, 38 and second threads 66, 68 may in one embodiment have the same configuration, the fact that first threads 36, 38 and second threads 66, 68 are longitudinally spaced apart, as opposed to being integral, provides unexpected and surprising results. Specifically, injection molding a syringe, such as first syringe 12, wherein a thread is formed on tip 22 that continuously encircles tip 22 two or more times requires that the thread be undercut at one end so as to enable release of the mold from the part. This irregular thread configuration results in irregular and loose fitting of the two syringes. In contrast, by forming two longitudinally spaced apart threads, as in the present invention, the two sets of threads can be injection molded each having the same exacting tolerances, thereby providing a tighter fit between the two syringes.
Depicted in
Depicted in
As a result of the variance in pitch, engagement threads 58 couple normally with first threads 36, 38 but increasingly bias against second threads 66, 68 as engagement threads 58 are threaded into second thread grooves 86, 88. The increased frictional engagement increases the seal and coupling strength between syringes 12 and 14. In an alternative embodiment, α2 can also be smaller than α1 and still achieve the same effect.
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In the embodiment depicted in
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Depicted in
It is appreciated that second threads 66, 68 and ridge 94 can be designed having a variety of other sizes and shapes and that they can be placed in a variety of different orientations and positions and still achieve the desired effect of increasing frictional engagement with second syringe 14. For example, it is appreciated that the first threads and the second threads can each comprise one thread or three or more threads. It is also appreciated that the above embodiments and alternatives thereof can be grouped in different combinations to achieve the desired effect. Furthermore, the inventive thread assemblies as disclosed herein can be used on other structures besides syringes. For example, the thread assemblies can be used on discrete connectors for coupling syringes, cartridges, and other types of containers which are desired to couple together.
Finally, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Fischer, Dan E., McLean, Bruce S.
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Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Jan 19 2000 | FISCHER, DAN E | Ultradent Products, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 010528 | /0518 | |
Jan 19 2000 | MCLEAN, BRUCE S | Ultradent Products, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 010528 | /0518 | |
Jan 21 2000 | Ultradent Products, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / |
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